Gamification involves integrating game-like elements into marketing, training, and other company functions, offering tangible business benefits when done intelligently.
Given our natural inclination towards games and play, it’s no surprise that we enjoy interacting with companies in this way. Incorporating gamification into sports betting, online casinos, and related activities is a logical move, but its potential as a tool for player retention and cross-selling may be less apparent. Operators can take advantage of various tools and benefits, but it’s crucial to adopt an optimal approach.
Loyalty Programmes
Loyalty programmes are a key method for retaining players in the gambling industry. These systems offer rewards to players who regularly visit the casino, motivating them to stay and continue making deposits. By earning points, players increase their status level and can access better bonuses. This creates a psychological effect where users feel valued and important.
Typically, loyalty programmes have between three and six levels, with names like bronze, silver, gold, platinum, diamond, and elite/VIP. Some gambling sites automatically award the first level after a player’s first deposit, while others require an invitation request or a specific period of play.
Basic levels often offer daily free spins and regular promotions, while higher levels unlock status upgrades and individual rewards. Elite or VIP levels offer even more exclusive perks, such as weekly bonus spins, invitations to VIP events, faster withdrawal times, and a personal account manager.
Bonuses
Operators can attract players with various types of bonuses such as welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, free spins, loyalty bonuses, activity bonuses, or cross-channel play. The selection of bonuses can depend on the operator’s creativity and the platform’s specifics.
Tournaments And Leaderboards
Tournaments are often used by casino operators to drive competition and promote progress. The desire to be on top motivates players to participate and the most successful players are ranked on the leaderboards.
Apart from the leaderboards recognition, players receive rewards in the form of bonuses and credits. They can use these rewards for everything from games to placing bets on the horse racing markets that have the best Melbourne Cup odds. This encourages players to keep coming back, play and bet more, and improve their skills to compete better in the future.
The rewards and the nature of the tournament (in other words how competitive it is) fosters a sense of community. This increases the experience of the gaming session, drives the engagement of the players and boosts player loyalty.
Missions And Tasks
Adding goals to a game can enhance players’ engagement. While not as common as tournaments, missions are an effective way to increase player retention. Upon completing a mission, players receive a reward and the chance to advance to the next task. Certain iGaming platforms turn this into a full-fledged adventure where players navigate through a map, battle enemies, and encounter obstacles. Although these stories are imaginary, they offer a more immersive experience.
By integrating missions into their games, operators can create a sense of accomplishment and progression for their players. This is especially true for those who enjoy a narrative-driven experience. With each mission completed, players feel a sense of achievement, and they are encouraged to continue playing to see what happens next.
Missions are an exciting element to add to a gaming experience. As these immerse the players in a story and give out rewards on a regular basis, missions help to keep players fully engaged.
